An Edinburgh-born academic has been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for developing the world's smallest machines.

Sir Fraser Stoddart, 74, who is now based in Northwestern University in Illinois, was recognised alongside Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Bernard Feringa on the design and synthesis of molecular machines.

The trio were commended for "taking chemistry to a new dimension" with miniature technology.

The academics developed molecules with controllable movements, which can perform a task when energy is added.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said their research demonstrated how nanotechnology "can lead to a revolution".

Their work began in 1983, with each of the laureates reaching key milestones over the past 30 years.

Edinburgh University alumnus Sir Fraser's main breakthrough came in 1991, when he developed arotaxane.

This involved threading a molecular ring onto a thin molecular axle and showing that the ring was able to move along the axle.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said the Nobel laureates had paved the way for molecular machines to be used to develop new materials, sensors and energy storage systems.

The board said the molecular motor was at the same stage as the electric motor was in the 1830s, when scientists were unaware their research would lead to electric trains, washing machines, fans and food processors.

Sir Fraser, Mr Sauvage and Mr Feringa will share the 8m krona (£729,000) prize.